Clutch housing and vehicle
By setting a connecting channel for the main flow hole, air flow hole, and water flow hole on the clutch housing, the contradiction between sealing and waterproofing and ventilation and exhaust is solved by utilizing the difference in gravity and gas flow direction. This achieves waterproofing and air pressure balance of the clutch housing, improving the vehicle's durability and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NINGBO GEELY ROYAL ENGINE COMPONENTS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-12-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, it is difficult for the clutch housing to simultaneously achieve waterproof sealing and ventilation in water-wading or submerged scenarios, which can lead to damage to internal parts or air pressure imbalance, affecting vehicle durability and safety.
The outer and inner walls of the clutch housing are designed with main flow holes, air flow holes, and water flow holes, respectively. These are connected by air flow channels and water flow channels. By utilizing gravity and the difference in gas flow direction, the water flow and air flow are separated, preventing water from entering the housing and balancing the air pressure difference.
It effectively prevents water from entering the clutch housing, reduces the risk of damage to internal parts, reduces the risk of oil leaks from the engine or transmission, and improves the vehicle's durability and safety.
Smart Images

Figure CN115853923B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle manufacturing technology, and in particular to a clutch housing and a vehicle having the clutch housing. Background Technology
[0002] Hardcore off-road vehicles are frequently used in scenarios involving wading or submersion in water. However, the clutch housing space between the engine and transmission needs to be sealed to prevent water from entering, while also requiring an vent to ensure air pressure balance inside and outside the clutch housing. Of these two requirements, one necessitates a sealed clutch housing space, and the other requires an opening in the clutch housing for ventilation. How to resolve these contradictions is key to the overall durability of the vehicle.
[0003] There are generally two methods to address this problem in existing technologies. The first is to design a drain hole at the bottom of the clutch housing. This drain hole prevents water splashing into the clutch housing space during vehicle operation. Simultaneously, the gas inside the clutch housing space can communicate with the outside atmosphere through this hole, balancing the internal and external pressures. However, when the vehicle is submerged, external water can enter the clutch housing space through this hole, damaging the internal parts of the clutch housing. The second method is to completely seal the clutch housing without designing drain or vent holes, thus preventing external water from entering the clutch space when the vehicle is wading through or submerged. However, this method completely seals the clutch housing, causing temperature changes within the internal space to affect internal air pressure changes. These pressure changes create a pressure difference between the engine, the clutch housing space, and the transmission, potentially leading to oil leaks in the engine or transmission. Therefore, there is room for improvement. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a clutch housing that solves the problem of drainage and venting of the clutch housing, thereby improving the durability of the vehicle during use and reducing safety hazards.
[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a clutch housing includes: a main flow hole and a water flow hole formed on the outer wall of the clutch housing, and an air flow hole formed on the inner wall of the clutch housing; the main flow hole and the air flow hole are connected through an air flow channel; the main flow hole and the water flow hole are connected through a water flow channel; the main flow hole is higher than the water flow hole; and at least a portion of the air flow channel is higher than the main flow hole.
[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the clutch housing is provided with airflow holes, main flow holes, and water flow holes of progressively decreasing height. Gravity influences the direction of water flow, causing water to flow from the main flow holes to the water flow holes, thereby preventing water from entering the internal space of the clutch housing and damaging its internal components. Furthermore, by utilizing the characteristic that gas is not limited by height, the airflow holes are positioned at a higher position to balance the internal and external air pressure difference of the clutch housing, reducing the risk of oil leakage from the engine or transmission and improving safety.
[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the clutch housing, both the water flow channel and the air flow channel extend circumferentially along the clutch housing, and the main flow hole is formed at the connection between the water flow channel and the air flow channel, the air flow hole is located at the upper end of the air flow channel, and the water flow hole is located at the lower end of the water flow channel.
[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inner wall of the lower end of the airflow channel is provided with a first stop protrusion extending radially inward, the first stop protrusion and the inner wall of the airflow channel defining a first airflow gap, the width of the first airflow gap being smaller than the width of the airflow channel.
[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the clutch housing has a second stop protrusion extending radially outward on the inner wall of the upper end of the airflow channel. The second stop protrusion and the inner wall of the airflow channel define a second airflow gap, the width of which is smaller than the width of the airflow channel.
[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the water flow channel and the air flow channel are both located in the upper region of the clutch housing and are both located on the same side of the vertical radial line of the clutch housing.
[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the airflow hole is located at the highest point of the inner wall of the clutch housing.
[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the angle between the main flow hole and the highest point of the clutch housing in the circumferential direction is less than 45°, and the main flow hole opens outward along the radial direction of the clutch housing.
[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the axis of the water flow hole is inclined radially relative to the clutch housing, and the water flow hole is configured to be open downward on the outer wall of the clutch housing.
[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the clutch housing includes an inner shell and an outer shell. A working cavity is formed inside the inner shell. The outer shell is sleeved outside the inner shell. The main flow hole and the water flow hole are both disposed in the outer shell. The air flow hole is disposed in the inner shell. The water flow channel and the air flow channel are both formed between the inner shell and the outer shell.
[0015] The present invention also proposes a vehicle.
[0016] The vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a clutch housing as described in any one of the above-described embodiments.
[0017] The vehicle and the aforementioned clutch housing have the same advantages over the prior art, which will not be elaborated here.
[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description
[0019] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic planar structure diagram of the clutch housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another representation of the planar structure of the clutch housing.
[0022] Figure label:
[0023] Clutch housing 100,
[0024] Mainstream hole 1, inlet end 11 of the mainstream hole, outlet end 12 of the mainstream hole, airflow hole 2, waterflow hole 3, waterflow channel 4, inlet end 41 of the waterflow channel, outlet end 42 of the waterflow channel, airflow channel 5, inlet end 51 of the airflow channel, outlet end 52 of the airflow channel, first airflow gap 53, second airflow gap 54, inner shell 6, second stop protrusion 61, working chamber 62, outer shell 7, first stop protrusion 71. Detailed Implementation
[0025] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
[0026] Unless otherwise specified, the front-back direction in this application refers to the longitudinal direction of the clutch housing, i.e., the X direction; the left-right direction refers to the transverse direction of the clutch housing, i.e., the Y direction; and the up-down direction refers to the vertical direction of the clutch housing, i.e., the Z direction.
[0027] The following is for reference. Figures 1-2 A clutch housing 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described, comprising: a main flow hole 1 and a water flow hole 3 formed on the outer wall of the clutch housing 100, and an airflow hole 2 formed on the inner wall of the clutch housing 100; the main flow hole 1 and the airflow hole 2 are connected through an airflow channel 5; the main flow hole 1 and the water flow hole 3 are connected through a water flow channel 4; the main flow hole 1 is higher than the water flow hole 3; and at least a portion of the airflow channel 5 is higher than the main flow hole 1. That is, as... Figure 1 As shown, a main flow hole 1 and a water flow hole 3 are provided on the outer peripheral wall of the clutch housing 100. The main flow hole 1 can be used for air and water intake, and the water flow hole 3 is used for air and water drainage. In addition, an airflow hole 2 is also provided on the inner peripheral wall of the clutch housing 100. The airflow hole 2 is connected to the internal cavity of the clutch housing 100 to balance the air pressure on the inside and outside of the clutch, so as to ensure the air pressure balance of the clutch housing 100.
[0028] Specifically, the main flow orifice 1 and the airflow orifice 2 are connected by an airflow channel 5, and the main flow orifice 1 and the water flow orifice 3 are connected by a water flow channel 4. The main flow orifice 1 is higher than the water flow orifice 3, and at least a portion of the airflow channel 5 is higher than the main flow orifice 1, thereby forming a stepped height difference.
[0029] Understandably, when water enters the clutch housing 100 through the main flow port 1, it will flow towards the slightly lower water flow port 3 due to gravity, and finally exit from the water flow port 3. Since gas molecules are not affected by height, the gas entering through the main flow port 1 can pass through the airflow port 2 and reach the interior of the clutch housing 100, thus balancing the air pressure inside and outside the clutch housing 100. Therefore, while ensuring ventilation, the clutch housing 100 is also waterproofed, thereby improving the safety and service life of the clutch.
[0030] It should be noted that the relative positional relationship between the main flow hole 1, airflow hole 2, and water flow hole 3 as defined above in this invention refers to the positional relationship after the clutch housing 100 is installed in the vehicle, that is, the positional relationship when the clutch housing 100 is actually applied to the vehicle and forms a waterproof and ventilated structure. In other words, the above-mentioned positional relationship does not limit the structural design of the clutch housing 100 itself; that is, when the clutch housing 100 exists as a standalone unit, the relative positional relationship between the main flow hole 1, airflow hole 2, and water flow hole 3 changes with the angular state of the clutch housing 100 itself.
[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the clutch housing 100 is provided with airflow holes 2, main flow holes 1, and water flow holes 3, with their heights decreasing sequentially. Gravity influences the direction of water flow, causing water to flow from the main flow hole 1 to the water flow hole 3, thereby preventing water from entering the internal space of the clutch housing 100 and damaging its internal parts. Furthermore, by utilizing the characteristic that gas is not limited by height, the airflow holes 2 are positioned at a higher position, thereby balancing the internal and external air pressure differences of the clutch housing 100, reducing the risk of oil leakage from the engine or transmission, and improving safety.
[0032] In some embodiments, both the water flow channel 4 and the air flow channel 5 extend circumferentially along the clutch housing 100, and the main flow hole 1 is formed at the connection between the water flow channel 4 and the air flow channel 5. The air flow hole 2 is located at the upper end of the air flow channel 5, and the water flow hole 3 is located at the lower end of the water flow channel 4. It should be noted that, as... Figure 1 As shown, both the water flow channel 4 and the air flow channel 5 extend circumferentially within the peripheral wall of the clutch housing 100. The air flow channel 5 is also positioned above the water flow channel 4, such that the air flow channel 5 and the water flow channel 4 extend circumferentially in opposite directions at the main flow port 1.
[0033] Understandably, both airflow and water flow enter the clutch housing 100 through the main flow port 1. Airflow flows from the main flow port 1 through the airflow channel 5 to the upper airflow port 2, while water flow flows from the main flow port 1 through the water flow channel 4 to the lower water flow port 3. Therefore, during the process of water flowing into and out of the clutch housing 100, the flow area traversed by the water flow is the water flow channel 4, thus ensuring that water does not enter the interior of the clutch housing 100, achieving the waterproof and drainage function of the clutch housing 100.
[0034] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the lower end of the airflow channel 5 is provided with a first stop protrusion 71 extending radially inward. The first stop protrusion 71 and the inner wall of the airflow channel 5 define a first airflow gap 53, the width of which is smaller than the width of the airflow channel 5. It should be noted that, as... Figure 2 As shown, a first stop protrusion 71 is disposed at the inlet end 51 of the airflow channel and located above the main flow port 1. Specifically, the first stop protrusion 71 is constructed as a protrusion extending radially inward from the upper side of the main flow port 1 on the inner wall of the clutch housing 100, such that the first stop protrusion 71 can block part of the inlet end 51 of the airflow channel. The unblocked portion forms a first airflow gap 53, the width of which is smaller than the width of the airflow channel 5 and smaller than the width of the first stop protrusion 71.
[0035] Understandably, when water enters the clutch housing 100 from the main flow port 1, the first stop protrusion 71 prevents most of the water from rushing into the airflow channel 5 due to inertia, thus achieving a waterproof effect. Furthermore, the first airflow gap 53 ensures that airflow can enter the airflow channel 5 through the first airflow gap 53, thereby balancing the air pressure inside and outside the clutch housing 100.
[0036] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the upper end of the airflow channel 5 is provided with a second stop protrusion 61 extending radially outward. The second stop protrusion 61 and the inner wall of the airflow channel 5 define a second airflow gap 54, the width of which is smaller than the width of the airflow channel 5. It should be noted that, as... Figure 2 As shown, the second stop protrusion 61 is disposed at the outlet end 52 of the airflow channel and located to the right of the airflow hole 2. Specifically, the second stop protrusion 61 is constructed as a protrusion extending radially outward from the right side of the airflow hole 2 on the inner wall of the clutch housing 100, such that the second stop protrusion 61 can block part of the outlet end 52 of the airflow channel. The unblocked portion forms a second airflow gap 54, the width of which is smaller than the width of the airflow channel 5 and smaller than the width of the second stop protrusion 61.
[0037] It is understandable that when water flows into the clutch housing 100, some water enters the airflow channel 5 through the first airflow gap 53. Therefore, by providing the second stop protrusion 61, some of the water entering the airflow channel 5 can be prevented from breaking through the airflow channel 5 and entering the clutch housing 100, thereby further enhancing the waterproof capability of the clutch housing 100. Furthermore, providing the second airflow gap 54 ensures that airflow can smoothly flow from the airflow channel 5 into the clutch housing 100, thereby balancing the air pressure inside and outside the clutch housing 100.
[0038] In some embodiments, both the water flow channel 4 and the air flow channel 5 are located in the upper region of the clutch housing 100. It is understood that, as Figure 1 As shown, placing both the water flow channel 4 and the air flow channel 5 in the upper region of the clutch housing 100 allows for better utilization of the characteristics of gravity affecting objects, enabling water to flow from a higher to a lower position, thus facilitating waterproofing and drainage. Furthermore, the fact that both the water flow channel 4 and the air flow channel 5 are located on the same side of the vertical radial line of the clutch housing 100 allows the air and water to share the main flow hole 1, reducing the number of holes in the clutch housing 100 and increasing structural strength. The design of them being on the same side also facilitates manufacturing and improves convenience.
[0039] In some embodiments, the airflow hole 2 is located at the highest point of the inner wall of the clutch housing 100. It is understood that, as Figure 1As shown, gas molecules are lightweight and unaffected by height. Placing the airflow hole 2 at the highest point of the clutch housing 100 does not affect the airflow into the clutch housing 100. In other words, placing the airflow hole 2 at any position within the clutch housing 100 does not affect the balance of internal and external air pressure. However, water flow is affected by gravity. Therefore, placing the airflow hole 2 at a higher position can prevent water from flowing into the airflow hole 2, thus achieving a waterproof function.
[0040] In some embodiments, the angle between the main flow port 1 and the highest point of the clutch housing 100 in the circumferential direction is less than 45°, and the main flow port 1 opens outward along the radial direction of the clutch housing 100. That is, as... Figure 2 As shown, the clutch housing 100 is circular in structure, and the angle α between the straight line formed by the main flow hole 1 passing through the center of the clutch housing 100 and the horizontal line passing through the center is greater than 45°. That is, the inlet end 11 of the main flow hole is higher than the outlet end 12 of the main flow hole, and the two are designed to form an angle greater than 45 degrees. It can be understood that the setting angle α is not limited to around 45°, and can also be 50°, 60°, etc. This embodiment does not limit the specific angle, as long as the inclination setting is met. The main flow hole 1 is also located in the upper half of the clutch housing 100. This ensures that it is difficult for external water to enter the clutch housing 100, and the water that enters the clutch housing 100 can flow from the outlet end 12 of the main flow hole to the water flow channel 4 below because the outlet end 12 of the main flow hole is lower than the inlet end 11 of the main flow hole, thereby improving the waterproof effect of the clutch housing 100.
[0041] In some embodiments, the axis of the water flow hole 3 is inclined radially relative to the clutch housing 100, and the water flow hole 3 is configured to be open downwards on the outer wall of the clutch housing 100. That is, as Figure 1 As shown, the water flow hole 3 is inclined relative to the center of the clutch housing 100 on the outer peripheral wall of the clutch housing 100, and the inclination direction is downward from the inside to the outside, thus forming an open opening, which is the water flow hole 3.
[0042] It is understandable that when water enters the water flow channel 4, it flows to the water flow hole 3. By setting the water flow hole 3 as an outwardly inclined opening, it is convenient for water to flow out of the clutch housing 100.
[0043] In some embodiments, the clutch housing 100 includes an inner shell 6 and an outer shell 7. A working chamber 62 is formed within the inner shell 6. The outer shell 7 is fitted over the inner shell 6. A main flow orifice 1 and a water flow orifice 3 are both located on the outer shell 7, and an airflow orifice 2 is located on the inner shell 6. A water flow channel 4 and an airflow channel 5 are both formed between the inner shell 6 and the outer shell 7. That is, the water flow channel 4 and the airflow channel 5 are formed in the interlayer between the inner shell 6 and the outer shell 7. The airflow orifice 2 is located at the connection between the working chamber 62 and the airflow channel 5. The main flow orifice 1 and the water flow orifice 3 are located at the connection points where the inlet end 41 and the outlet end 42 of the water flow channel are respectively connected to the outside. Thus, the labyrinth structure formed by the inner shell 6 and the outer shell 7 achieves the separation of airflow and water flow channels to realize waterproofing and venting functions.
[0044] The present invention also proposes a vehicle.
[0045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle is provided with a clutch housing 100 as described above. By providing airflow holes 2, main flow holes 1, and water flow holes 3 that decrease in height sequentially on the inner shell 6 and outer shell 7 of the clutch housing 100 to form an airflow channel 5 and a water flow channel 4, water can flow out of the clutch housing 100 through the water flow channel 4. Furthermore, the first stop protrusion 71 and the second stop protrusion 61 on the inner shell 6 and outer shell 7 respectively create multi-layered obstruction between the airflow channel 5 and the water flow channel 4, enhancing the waterproof effect and preventing water from penetrating the airflow holes 2 and entering the working chamber 62 of the clutch housing 100, thereby protecting the internal components. Airflow can enter the working chamber 62 from the outside or exit the working chamber 62 from the outside through the first airflow gap 53 and the second airflow gap 54, thereby balancing the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the clutch housing 100 and reducing the risk of oil leakage from the engine or transmission.
[0046] 1. In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.
[0047] 2. In the description of this invention, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features.
[0048] 3. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more.
[0049] 4. In the description of the present invention, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or it may include the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact through another feature between them.
[0050] 5. In the description of the present invention, the terms "above", "over" and "on top" for the first feature and the second feature include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicate that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.
[0051] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0052] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A clutch housing, characterized in that, include: The outer wall of the clutch housing has a main flow hole (1) and a water flow hole (3), and the inner wall of the clutch housing has an air flow hole (2). The main flow hole (1) and the air flow hole (2) are connected through an air flow channel (5). The main flow hole (1) and the water flow hole (3) are connected through a water flow channel (4). The main flow hole (1) is higher than the water flow hole (3), and at least a portion of the air flow channel (5) is higher than the main flow hole (1). The clutch housing includes an inner shell (6) and an outer shell (7). The inner shell (6) has a working cavity (62) formed inside it. The outer shell (7) is fitted over the inner shell (6). The main flow hole (1) and the water flow hole (3) are both located on the outer shell (7). The air flow hole (2) is located on the inner shell (6). The water flow channel (4) and the air flow channel (5) are both formed between the inner shell (6) and the outer shell (7).
2. The clutch housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water flow channel (4) and the air flow channel (5) are both extended circumferentially along the clutch housing, and the main flow hole (1) is formed at the connection between the water flow channel (4) and the air flow channel (5). The air flow hole (2) is located at the upper end of the air flow channel (5), and the water flow hole (3) is located at the lower end of the water flow channel (4).
3. The clutch housing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lower end of the airflow channel (5) has a first stop protrusion (71) extending radially inward on the inner wall. The first stop protrusion (71) and the inner wall of the airflow channel (5) define a first airflow gap (53). The width of the first airflow gap (53) is smaller than the width of the airflow channel (5).
4. The clutch housing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper end of the airflow channel (5) has a second stop protrusion (61) extending radially outward on the inner wall. The second stop protrusion (61) and the inner wall of the airflow channel (5) define a second airflow gap (54). The width of the second airflow gap (54) is smaller than the width of the airflow channel (5).
5. The clutch housing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water flow channel (4) and the air flow channel (5) are both located in the upper region of the clutch housing and are both located on the same side of the vertical radial line of the clutch housing.
6. The clutch housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airflow hole (2) is located at the highest point of the inner wall of the clutch housing.
7. The clutch housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the main flow hole (1) and the highest point of the clutch housing in the circumferential direction is less than 45°, and the main flow hole (1) is open outward along the radial direction of the clutch housing.
8. The clutch housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axis of the water flow hole (3) is inclined radially relative to the clutch housing, and the water flow hole (3) is configured to be open downward on the outer wall of the clutch housing.
9. A vehicle, characterized in that, The clutch housing is provided with any one of claims 1-8.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
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Clutch housing for preventing heating
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